I know that for the Legend, the longitudinally mounted engine was a major selling point that Honda tried to use. But Honda seems to have quietly moved away from this.

Is there really a difference/advantage with having a long mounted fwd? This is my first fwd car and I haven't really driven any other fwds to compare. It seems to me that if the merits were proven, they would have kept it in the later gen TLs.

 

It does keep the weight distribution a bit better for a 6 cylinder FWD car. Most are about 62%+ front whereas the TL/Legend's with the C block are about 59%, also at the time, it made for a slightly more rigid chassis, good for both handling and safety reasons.

Finally, the engine mounted as such allowed the front wheels to be pushed forward more, giving it a RWD look.

 

Just to add to my earlier comments, the longer wheelbase makes for a more comfortable ride, making for a great highway cruiser.

 

Yeah, I'd have to agree with Ken. Plus it really looks the way an engine bay is supposed to when you pop the hood and see the engine pointing north/south. But mainly it is to help with balancing the weight of the car, which effects better handling and a more comfortable ride. They have moved away from it since it is cheaper and easier to package everything up smaller with tthe transverse mounted engine. it makes for a more compact engine bay.

 

Would having a long mount engine also solve torque steer since the axles are the same length?

Do we have torque steer? <--- Yeah I really haven't driven fwd cars.

Everything you guys have said makes sense. Especially the RWD look. I couldn't help but look at Beemers on the way home today to see the diff between them and say Accords.

 

We have torque steer but it is VERY VERY subdued.

 

As long as the transmission and diff are mounted in such a way to locate them centrally, yes. But a lot fewer cars have bad torque steer these days as even cars with transverse mounted engines have closer to equal length driveshafts. The torque steer in our carsa is very minimal. You hardly ever notice it unless you push REALLY hard.